"Expo 2020 Dubai" held a second "remote" meeting for its steering committee, with representatives of the countries participating in the international event, within the framework of the ongoing consultations on the impact of "Covid-19" on the world's preparations for "Expo 2020 Dubai".
The participating countries informed the Steering Committee of the precautionary measures taken by the countries of the world to ensure the health and safety of all those involved in preparing for the huge international event.
The Steering Committee also reviewed with great interest the impact of the spread of «Covid-19» on public health, society and the economy in the world, and members reaffirmed their solidarity with the international community, at a time when the Committee is examining the implications of this unprecedented global crisis.
Study of postponement
The organizers of "Expo 2020 Dubai" reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to work hand in hand with international partners to organize an international "Expo" that truly reflects the purpose for which it was established, and that is to be a comprehensive international forum to address common challenges, and to seek solutions to those challenges. In the spirit of international cooperation and solidarity. These conditions reinforce the need for "Expo 2020" as an international forum more than ever.
The Committee agreed collectively to request the International Bureau of Exhibitions, which is the intergovernmental organization responsible for the "International Expo", to study the issue of postponing the opening of "Expo 2020" for a year within the legal framework in force, and the International Exhibitions Bureau will now work with Member States and organizers of "Expo 2020" Dubai »to consider changing appointments, and the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Exhibitions alone has the right to take the final decision on the postponement, as Article 28 of the International Bureau of Exhibitions Agreement stipulates that any amendment to the appointments requires member states to vote by a two-thirds majority.
Expo 2020 Dubai organizers will continue to assess the situation and consult closely with all stakeholders in Dubai and the UAE.
Continuous consultations
Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation Affairs, Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai office, said: “The situation is developing rapidly in the world, and its developments cannot be predicted. During the past weeks, we have been consulting constantly with the main stakeholders in the UAE and the world, to review the impact of (Covid-19) on our plans and equipment for (Expo 2020 Dubai) ».
She continued: «While they are still firmly committed to participating in (Expo 2020 Dubai), many countries have been greatly affected by (Covid-19), and then these countries have expressed their need to delay the opening of (Expo 2020 Dubai) for a year, allowing them "Overcoming this challenge."
Al Hashemi added: “The UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai listened to them, in a spirit of solidarity and unity. We supported a proposal to request a one-year delay issue during the Steering Committee meeting .. We look forward to welcoming the world, which we are quite confident that this challenge will increase it with strength and determination after overcoming Therefore, we will adhere to the legal procedures of the International Bureau of Exhibitions, which are related to the decision of the date of the establishment of (Expo 2020 Dubai) .. Our collective commitment remains steadfast and strong to organize an international Expo that responds to the requirements of the stage that humanity is going through, and responds to our common and urgent priorities.
She added, "We believe that humanity needs to unite now more than ever in light of this global challenge, in order to remember what unites us, and this remains the common aspiration of all participants in this version of the (Expo) International."
Realistic and openness
For his part, the Secretary General of the International Bureau of Exhibitions, Dmitriy Kreiktenz, welcomed the approach of the organizers of "Expo 2020 Dubai" and the recommendations of the Steering Committee.
He said: "The world faces exceptional and unprecedented circumstances, and we all expect challenges to continue in the coming months," noting that the agreement of the organizer and members of the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee to discuss options to postpone the opening of the Expo for a year is welcome.
He continued: «According to the Paris Agreement of 1928, any decision regarding the International (Expo) must be taken through cooperation, and it is agreed upon collectively through the vote of the member states of the International Exhibitions Bureau. We will continue to supervise the process, so that it is in compliance with the rules and regulations of the International Exhibition Office. ” He added: «I am sure that we will overcome together the challenges brought about by this global crisis. The UAE’s decision to support the one-year delay is issued by a reality, openness, and commitment to present an event that lives up to our common ambition, ”expressing his confidence in the UAE’s ability to host an international“ Expo ”that inspires and delights millions at the right time.
Korea: We value the proactive approach
The CEO of the Korean Agency for Trade and Investment Promotion (Kotra) and Commissioner-General of the Republic of Korea at Expo 2020 Dubai, Byung-Oh Kwon, said that seeing all the participants in Expo 2020 Dubai meet with a message of solidarity and strong support is very encouraging. He added that the "International Expo" is the event in which the world meets to present the best of humanity. In this difficult time in many places, it has become more important than ever for this event to see the light in the best possible way and at the right time, and therefore we value the proactive approach. For the organizers and their full support.
France praises the exhibition organizers and their openness
"We commend the organizers of (Expo 2020 Dubai) and the Emirates for their openness, active participation and support for the participants in these exceptional circumstances that we all face," he said, pointing out that gathering humanity in one place to celebrate all What unites us will be more necessary than ever after this pandemic recedes.
He added: “We remain fully committed to doing our part in making this (International Expo) a truly unforgettable event, allowing everyone to experience and enjoy it, so we fully agree with the collective decision taken regarding considering the best options for us as the Expo family.”
Any amendment to the deadlines necessitates the vote of the Member States by a two-thirds majority
Senegal: It will be an unparalleled international event
“We can see the best of humanity around the world, as people work together to save lives and contain this virus,” said Dr. Malik Diop, Commissioner-General of Senegal at Expo 2020 Dubai.
He added that the "International Expo" is centered on the best that humanity can offer, and we look forward to meeting in Dubai when the conditions are right to celebrate what I trust will be an unparalleled international event.
Indonesia: The world will be eager to communicate
“The International Expo is a place where the world meets, and after a year has been overshadowed by an atmosphere of isolation and social divergence, you can imagine how the world will be eager for humanity to continue and cooperate in 2021,” said Dudi Edward, Commissioner-General of Indonesia at Expo 2020 Dubai. He continued: «Indonesia hopes that the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Exhibitions agree to the postponement, and we can all look forward to a better and brighter tomorrow in 2021».
Australia: We will make Expo more inspiring
Justin McGowan, Commissioner-General of Australia at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “If the General Assembly of the International Exhibitions Bureau decides to postpone, this decision will give us an additional year to make this copy of the International Expo more inspiring.”
"In a year, the world will be a completely different place, and the (Expo) will be an opportunity to highlight our capabilities and our vision for the future. At the moment, we need to direct our energies to something else. ”